Your Driving Lessons

The Dirty Habit

There’s been a pub on this site since the 11th century, and it was later frequented by pilgrims plodding from Winchester to the shrine of Thomas à Becket at Canterbury. The building retains much period charm – look, for instance, at the long Georgian oak bar and panelling, and the Victorian furniture, all beautifully restored by skilled local craftsmen. Harvey’s of Lewes is one of the real ales on tap, and there’s cider from Aspall too. The Monks Corner, with oak beams to the apex and a bread oven in the corner, is ideal for private dining, while outside is a quiet terrace. The kitchen prepares dishes such as fish, tapas and meat sharing boards; Rye Bay cod fillet with Jerusalem artichoke; local venison burger, nduja sausage, smoked cheddar, red cabbage and chips; king prawn linguine; and chocolate, orange and Cointreau tart.